Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Rates and Soil pH on Growth and Yield of Goldenseal

Abstract

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a widely used medicinal herb that is commonly collected from forests in North America. An increasing demand for goldenseal has put intense pressures on wild populations and increased the interest in cultivation. Cultural information on goldenseal, however, is limited and contradictory. A 3-year study was initiated to examine the effects of soil pH (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5) and four rates of P and N (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 kg P or N/m3 of soil) on growth and development of goldenseal. In Spring 1993, small rhizome pieces were planted in pots of forest soil and grown under a wood-lath structure. Plant growth, flowering, and fruiting are monitored throughout each growing season. The plants are brought into an underground storage facility for overwintering. In late winter, roots are weighed, evaluated, and replanted. After one season of growth, root weights were highest with pH 5.5 and 6.5 and no additional P or N. During the second season of growth, the greatest plant growth and fruiting were obtained with pH 5.5 and 6.5 and with the two highest rates of phosphorus.